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Showing posts with label Product Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Review. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Product Review: Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Cat Food

** I received this product from Nutrish in exchange for an honest review. 



Our cats mean the world to us. They adopted us 8 years ago when we moved into our house (and apparently into their colony). They bring so much love and laughter into our home. That sweet boy up there is Sugar and he's such a cuddle bug. 

As far as cat food goes, my three are pretty picky. I spend a lot of time researching food that is not only good for them, but is affordable, too. Through a long period of trial and error, we finally found Rachael Ray Nutrish. It's the perfect mix of taste, affordability, and quality ingredients. They love the Real Salmon and Brown Rice Recipe. I hadn't heard of the Zero Grain variety until I was contacted by Influenster. Already a fan of the brand, we were thrilled to be chosen for this campaign, but I was a little hesitant about the Zero Grain aspect. Would my cats like it?


The short answer? YES. 

Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain cat food is made with simple, natural ingredients. There are no grains, glutens, or fillers. We tried the Chicken and Potato Recipe. U.S. Farm Raised Chicken is the #1 ingredient and this dry food is free of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Interested? Learn more here.


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Dial® Body + Hair Wash & Dial® Kids Foaming Hand Wash {Giveaway} CLOSED


Exciting news from Dial®!

Dial® is venturing into the babies' personal care arena with the release of two new products:

Dial® Kids Foaming Hand Wash

and

Dial® Baby Body + Hair Wash



Dial® Kids Foaming Hand Wash makes hand washing fun for all ages. 
My daughter thinks the foam is so fun and loves the watermelon scent.


Dial® Baby Body & Hair Wash gently removes environmental dirt for a head to toe clean. 
My daughter is pretty sensitive when it comes to body wash and this is a great option-- no eczema flares for her after use.

Both products:
- Developed with pediatric dermatologists
- Hypoallergenic
- No added paragons
- No artificial dyes
-pH balanced

Thanks to the generous folks at Dial®, 1 lucky winner will receive two FREE product coupons to try out both new products.

Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which of these products you'd most like to try.

Bonus entries:
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 4/20/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.

The Dial® brand provided me with a sample of both products in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions expressed here are my own.


Thursday, April 2, 2015

Dial® Miracle Oil Hand Soap Giveaway


I talked about how much I loved Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash last month, but did you know they have a hand soap, too?

New Dial® Miracle Oil Hand Soap brings nourishment and skin hydration to your hand washing experience. Let the smooth feel of Miracle (Marula) Oil gently remove dirt from your hands and leave them feeling smooth and refreshed. 
Miracle Oil is infused with Marula Oil and uses Micro Oil technology to nourish and deeply hydrate your skin while protecting it from skin damaging free radicals.
And just like the body wash, this deep cleansing hand soap smells fantastic! I'd describe it as mostly floral with a hint of sweetness. Dial® is the perfect soap for the entire family. We have it all over our home-- in the kitchen and both bathrooms. I've even taken a bottle up to the school to use in the nurse's office, because I'm constantly washing my hands. This soap provides refreshing moisture and the micro-scrubbers leaving me feeling confident that I've thoroughly cleansed my hands.

Thanks to the generous folks at Dial®, 1 lucky winner will receive 2 FREE product coupons for Dial® hand soap. 

Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which Dial® product is your favorite.

Bonus entries:
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 4/5/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.

The Dial® brand provided me with a sample of Dial® Miracle Oil Hand Soap in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Purex® Crystals ScentSplash Giveaway

Purex® has been rolling out some fabulous new laundry products lately and this one is no exception!


There's something so comforting and relaxing about warm clothes & bedding right out of the dryer. Bonus points if it also smells ridiculously amazing. 

New Purex® Crystals ScentSplash in-wash fragrance booster infuses your clothes with the power of liquid freshness. Simply add a little or a lot (the latter in my case) directly into your washer -- either into the tub directly or the in-wash tray. 

Purex® Crystals ScentSplash is safe for regular and high-efficiency (HE) washers, and for all loads of laundry including towels, activewear, and children's sleepwear.  It's your favorite in-wash fragrance booster taken to another level--- It contains refreshing scent beads that release bursts of fragrance with irresistible freshness that lasts!

Available in three scents:
Fresh Spring Waters
Fresh Lavender Blossom
Fresh Mountain Breeze 

Want to try Purex® Crystals ScentSplash for free?

Thanks to the generous folks at Purex®, ONE lucky winner will receive a TWO FREE product coupons for new Purex® Crystals ScentSplash. 


Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which scent you'd like to try.

Bonus entries:
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 4/5/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.

Purex® provided me with a sample of Purex® Crystals ScentSplash in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own and not influenced in any way.  

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Introducing Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap by Dial® + GIVEAWAY {CLOSED}



After finally receiving a few days of warmth and sunshine here, the three of us were eager to get outside and DO something. My husband spent his weekend getting our lawn in tip-top shape, I've been pulling weeds, and our daughter has been swinging herself silly in the backyard and playing with friends. Needless to say, we've all been pretty grubby at the end of the day and our hands aren't necessarily in the best shape. We've all got dirt under our fingernails, blisters from working and playing hard, and dry spots from this crazy winter we've had. This was the perfect time for NEW Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap to show up on our doorstep. 



NEW Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap is the newest member of the Dial® Boutique Collection Hand Soap line, bringing luxury to your hand washing experience. With an indulgent scent inspired by freshly cut Sugar Cane, this premium formula with gentle micro-scrubbers cleanses deeply while moisturizing and smoothing skin. 
The Boutique Collection Hand Soap provides:

  •  Vibrant scents
  •  Refreshing moisture
  • Gentle micro-scrubbers 
A deep cleansing formula help give you clean, healthy hands and skin.  
Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Micro-Scrubber

Moisturizing formulas with skin conditioners hydrate your skin and visibly improve skin dryness while micro-scrubbers help gently remove dirt from your hands to leave them feeling smooth and refreshed. 
I personally love the gentle polishing action of the micro-scrubbers -- smoothing out all of the dry spots on my hands with each use. This is a luxurious feeling soap, too -- thick, rich, and full of refreshing moisture. 


With a completely new bottle and design with rich colors, you can add a personal touch of style to your home. As you can see, the new Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap matched my kitchen perfectly!

With it's effectiveness, gentleness, and affordability, I'd have to say that Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap is the perfect family soap for us. 

GIVEAWAY


Thanks to the generous folks at Dial®, 1 lucky winner will receive 2 FREE product coupons for Dial Hand Soap:

{1 FREE Dial® Liquid Hand Soap}
and
{1 FREE Dial® Boutique Collection Sugar Cane Hand Soap}

Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which Dial® hand soap scent is your favorite.

Bonus entries:
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 3/24/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.


The Dial® brand provided me with a sample of Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. 

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Dessange: The Holy Grail of Hair Care


Holy Grail of Hair Care? 

I must be exaggerating, right? Wrong.

My daughter's thick, tangle-prone hair has her in tears and me at my wit's end most mornings.
I feel like I've tried every lotion, potion, detangling spray, and special brush on the market, but none of them have ever worked very well. All of that changed when I received the Dessange VoxBox from Influenster.

I had big plans to use this on my own color-treated, heat-styled, ultra-thick and super long hair (and I did), but I also figured I had nothing to lose by using it on my daughter's hair, too. What a difference this stuff makes! No more tangles, no more tears. No kidding.


DESSANGE Paris introduces Oleo Miracle Collection, a hair care line infused with nutrients from nature's most precious oils. Bolstering delicious notes of orange, gardenia petals, and sandalwood, the reparative collection works to help transform hair suffering from thermal, chemical and environmental damage for a visibly softer, healthier look. Offering intense nourishment, the formulas are infused with three key natural oils: Argan Oil, Camelia Oil, and Pracaxi Oil, leaving hair smooth, bouncy, and manageable. 


Our first shampoo infused with micro-drops of precious oils, the lightweight formula offers supreme nourishment to hair without weighing it down. 


The second step to the Oleo Miracle ritual, this shine-boosting conditioner repairs the external layer of the hair's fiber for healthier, restored strands.
This is my favorite product out of the three. It is so thick and rich. It leaves my daughter's hair so silky. After shampooing, I just apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to my daughter's hair and then comb it with a wide-tooth comb. After combing, I give it a quick rinse and then allow it to air-dry. 

After her hair is dry, we add a few drops of DESSANGE Replenishing Oil after styling/brushing.


With just a few drops, this leave-in treatment nourishes dry, damaged hair without leaving a greasy residue.

I cannot say enough good things about this particular line from DESSANGE Paris. This is our go-to hair care line from here on out. Run to your nearest Target and grab the entire Oleo Miracle Treatment line. You won't be disappointed!

DESSANGE Paris
#JAdoreDessange


I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. 







Monday, March 2, 2015

New Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash + GIVEAWAY

Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash

Raise your hand if you're #SoOverWinter 

While our weather in Texas doesn't even remotely compare to what's going on in the Northeast, it is cold here. And we Texans quite simply don't do cold. We've got our heat cranked full blast and that means dry, cracked, and itchy skin for all. 

We were going through lotion like crazy until we switched to new Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash. 

Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash


New Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash is infused with caring Marula oil for beautifully, soft skin. This restoring body wash is formulated with Micro Oil Technology for a luxurious, clean-rinsing lather that leaves skin feeling clean, soft and smooth. It also has a fantastic scent. To me, it smells lightly floral mixed with sweet vanilla. 

{Look at that lather!}

It's even gentle enough to use on my daughter's sensitive, eczema-prone skin, which makes it perfect to use as family body wash or for bubble bath fun! 



Now for the giveaway:

Thanks to the generous folks at Dial®, 1 lucky winner will receive 2 FREE product coupons for Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash. 

Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which Dial® product is your favorite.

Bonus entries:
- Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
- Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 3/9/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.

The Dial® brand provided me with a sample of Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. 





Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Coming Soon: New Purex® Power Shot Detergent




Laundry. It's the bane of our existence, right? 
We just came back from a weekend of camping, so I'm knee-deep in piles and piles of it. 

What if I told you there's a product out there to make doing laundry a whole lot easier with less mess and zero measuring. Sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong!

NEW Purex® Power Shot is a super-concentrated liquid detergent that takes the guesswork and mess out of doing laundry. It's the only no-spill detergent bottle that automatically dispenses the proper amount of detergent every single time and with 50% more stain-fighting power in every drop. 

It couldn't be any simpler to use. 


Just open the cap and flip the bottle upside down to deliver one super-concentrated dose of detergent. Flip the bottle back upright and you are done! The PowerShot engine automatically refills and is ready for the next dose. It is so simple to use and it allows my 10-year old daughter to help with laundry without always having to ask if she's poured too much/little detergent for the load. 

* Use 1 flip for regular loads
* Use 2 flips for large or heavy loads

Purex® PowerShot is available in both Mountain Breeze and Natural Elements® Linen & Lilies. It leaves my clothes smelling so great!


Purex® Power Shot is coming to stores near you in February!

GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN CLOSED



Disclosure: I was given a sample of new Purex® PowerShot liquid detergent as a member of Purex Insiders to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. 












Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Product Review: NEW Purex Crystals Aromatherapy + Giveaway

Disclosure: As a Purex Insider, the Purex® brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in exchange for a product review. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own. 


I'm a busy Mama with an active & creative school-age daughter, a hard-working mechanic of a husband, and a job as a nurse that (let's face it) can be downright grimy some days. 

That being said, I have a ton of laundry to do and I need a laundry routine that's easy and convenient. I tend to gravitate toward laundry products that have lots of long-lasting fresh scent, but most dryer sheets & liquid fabric softeners just don't do enough for me. That's why I'm so happy to report that I've finally found a product that meets all of the above criteria and then some.

Introducing NEW Purex Crystals Aromatherapy



Purex Crystals Aromatherapy are in-wash scent boosters that eliminate laundry odors and keep your clothes smelling fantastic for weeks after coming out of the dryer. 

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy couldn't be any easier to use! Simply add the desired amount of laundry enhancer into your washer's tub (top, front-loading, or HE) at the start of the wash to supplement your laundry detergent. This allows the crystals to permeate your clothing with a personal expressiveness that lasts for week, not days. 



There are three scents to choose from:
Well Being brightens any mood with the happy fragrance of fresh blossoms
Energy helps you tackle any day with the stimulating power of citrus
Serenity keeps you calm all day long with the gentle scent of water-lilies 

My thoughts: I was provided with a bottle of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in the Well Being scent. It is incredibly easy to use and the scent was sweetly floral. I have been using the crystals with every load for the past week and I can honestly say that our laundry has never smelled better. The scent is heavy (but not overpowering) and is long-lasting. Most heavily-scented products tend to irritate my daughter's sensitive, eczema-prone skin, but not this one! I have washed all of her bedding and clothing using Purex Crystals Aromatherapy and have had zero issues. This is a huge deal! 

Now for the giveaway: Thanks to Purex, one lucky reader will win 2 FREE bottles of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy (in the form of free product coupons).


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to follow Purex on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Friday, March 28, 2014

Friday Faves: Household Edition



It's Friday & Spring is in full effect!

Plants are blooming, birds are chirping,  and the weather is warming up. 
It's one of my most favorite times of the year.

Speaking of favorites, here are some of my mine. 
These are products I use in my home daily. 
The best part of all of them is that they're effective and reasonably priced. 

1. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Dish Soap in Geranium-- We are huge Mrs. Meyer's fans in this household. Their products are made from plant-derived ingredients, biodegradable, & cruelty-free. They are also effective against grease & grime and available in a favorite of garden-inspired scents. I love the Honeysuckle, Basil, & Iowa Pine varieties, but I recently picked up a bottle of the Geranium scent, and it's my new favorite. So much floral goodness.

2. Easy Breather by Herbalogic: With all of the pollen in the air here, this product is a staple in our home. It was an absolute life-saver during cedar season & we're finding it equally effective now, too. It's made right next door in beautiful Austin, Texas. Pick some up from Herbalogic's website, Whole Foods, & other specialty co-ops & pharmacies. You won't regret it.

3. Downy Unstopables In Wash Scent Booster (Glow scent): I love for my laundry to have a strong scent that lingers well after it's been hung up in the closet. This scent is hard to describe, but think floral, with a hint of sweetness. Majorly obsessed.

4. Method Vanilla Creme Hand Soap: Part of Method's limited Summer collection and smells just like a cupcake. Smells good enough to eat, but don't. Winner for kids & adults. Love, love, love. 

Hope your weekend is full of all kinds of sunshiny fun!


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Stitch Fix- What I Learned & Loved From My First Fix





Stitch Fix. Have you heard about it yet?

I have been seeing it on several of my favorite blogs and all over Instagram for some time now and while it seemed like a neat idea, I have to admit, I was very skeptical. It just seemed expensive & I assumed there was absolutely zero way my stylist would be able to choose clothing for me that would fit or that I'd actually like.

I don't have a lot of patience when it comes to shopping for clothes. There aren't many (if any) clothing stores in my small town, so having to drive 'into town' (Austin) to shop, just ups the annoyance factor for me. I also tend to frequent the same stores over & over (and over) again and I'm very budget-conscious. After going back and forth for at least a month or two, I decided to take the plunge.

So, what is Stitch Fix?

In case you're unfamiliar with this personal styling service, here goes:
You sign up for the service & fill out your Style Profile. This is your chance to tell the stylists all about YOU-- your style, your size, your body type, and most importantly (to me): your budget. After that, schedule your Fix & pay the $20 styling fee. You pay the $20 up front, but it's then applied to anything you decide to keep out of your shipment. Once your shipment arrives, you have 3 days to try everything on & decide what you'd like to keep. Didn't love something? Easy. Simply return the items you don't want in the pre-paid mailing bag. Then log in to your Stitch Fix account & pay only for the items you decide to keep. You will receive a 25% discount if you decide to keep all 5 items. Be sure to leave detailed feedback on everything!


So, without further adieu:

    Here's what I received in my first Fix!

{Under Skies Shawn Box Pleat Detail Blouse-- $48}

I absolutely love this blouse! The lightweight, sheer material is perfect for Spring/Summer and I really enjoy it's long, flowy style. I'm a flowy top & skinny jeans kinda gal, so this was a perfect match for me style-wise. Orange tones are my most favorite to wear & the deep coral color is just  gorgeous. The long pleat down the middle dressed it up a smidge, but it could also be worn super-casual with dark capris or white shorts. I really, really loved this top and had it been just a tad smaller, I would've kept it, no question. 

Status: Returned {regretfully}


{Just Black Adora Skinny Jean -- Light Green-- $88}

Holy price point! I've never spent $88 on jeans in my life. These jeans are a cute color, especially for Spring. They're also quite the departure from my dark rinse American Eagle skinnies that I wear at least 3 times/week. Kudos to my awesome stylist, Jenna, because she absolutely nailed the fit on these. They fit perfectly in the waist & bottom (which almost never happens because I have a small waist, yet ample tush) and I love the style. My main beef with these adorable jeans (aside from the price), is that they're entirely too long. I typically wear petite or short length jeans and these are more of an average or regular length. 


I even tried hiding all of that extra fabric by tucking the jeans into a pair of boots. ;)


Status: Returned 

41Hawthorn Yoshi Embroidery Detail Tank ($54)

This top is exactly what I was seeking when I asked for Spring & Summer clothes! This flowy polyester blouse is a stunning teal green with the perfect pops of coral & white embroidery.  I really loved the high-low aspect of this blouse. Definitely my style, but unfortunately this was one was also a tad too big. 

Status: Returned {unfortunately}

Tart Azaria Braid Detailed Tank ($54)

I really enjoyed the stretchy fabric of this tank & the whimsical braid detail of the neckline & straps. Perfect for Spring & Summer! Unfortunately, this was way too big on me. 

Status: Returned

Street Level Houston Small Quilted Crossbody Bag with Chain Strap ($48)

When I first opened up the box, I was slightly annoyed because I didn't want anything but clothing in my Fix. Turns out, I'm super happy they sent this because it's my favorite piece in the box! 
I just recently stopped carrying my gigantic Tory Burch Weekend Tote {gift from a friend, because I'd never, ever spend that much on a bag}, in favor of the sleeker, crossbody style, so this was perfect! I adore the vibrant teal color of this bag, the adjustable gold chain strap, the exquisite stitching, and the zippers. And the lining? Be still, my heart. 

* Cute side note regarding this bag: When my daughter laid eyes on it for the first time, she squealed with delight & promptly begged "I need this purse! I love it sooo much. We can trade or I'll pay you in money! I neeeeed this!"

Status: Kept

What I loved & learned:

I loved how convenient & fun turned out to be! With Stitch Fix delivering beautiful garments directly to my door, I no longer have to travel into and all over Austin in search of something to wear. This saves fuel & my precious time-- score! And if I decide to make a return? Easy. All I have to do is drop it in my mailbox-- for free! Can't beat that. The fact that I can try all of the items on in the comfort of my own home is a real plus in my book, too.

* I love that Stitch Fix forced me out of my comfort zone. If you were to look into my closet, you'd see a ton of black, gray, & burnt orange (Hook 'Em!). Honestly, I only own about 10 shirts total and they're all pretty much the same. Stitch Fix sent gentle pops of color that I love, just never buy. 

* Stitch Fix listened to my wishes. I asked for Spring & Summer clothes and the color palette & style of clothing they sent was spot-on. They also incorporated a few ideas with a pop of color from my Pinterest board into my shipment. I love that! 

Just take a look: 1 & 2 are examples from my Pinterest board & 3 is what they sent:

* I was initially put off by the steeper-than-MY-normal prices of these items, but what I quickly learned is that paying a higher price for a quality item is okay. It will probably actually pay off in the long run! Typically, I'm a Target, Marshall's, & Kohl's girl and while the cost of clothing at these stores is quite affordable, often the quality is lacking. I can't tell you how many times I've found an item at a great price, yet it only lasts me several washes & wears. I then end up having to spend more cash to replace the item, when perhaps if had I spent a little more on a higher-quality piece to begin with, it would last me longer.

So, that's it! My first Stitch Fix experience & review. In short, I loved it and have already scheduled my second Fix. I specifically asked for 5 Spring/Summer tops at a lower price point (<$48). I also changed the sizes on my style profile up a little bit, so hopefully I'll achieve a better fit in tops. We'll see what arrives in a few weeks. 

If you'd like to experience Stitch Fix for yourself, you can sign up here. { <-- that little link there will take you to Stitch Fix via my personal referral code where I'll receive a small credit if you choose to schedule a fix. I'd be so appreciative if you did! }

Also, if you decide to try out Stitch Fix & love it, too, make sure to share your unique referral code with all of your friends and family. Anyone who signs up with your referral code earns YOU a $25 credit to apply to future purchases!

Questions? Just ask! I'll be happy to help.


Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored in any way by Stitch Fix. I simply loved the service and wanted to share my thoughts on it with you. I paid for the Fix & the items I decided to keep from it myself. This post does contain my unique referral link. If you decide to use it, I will receive a $25 credit and love you long time. 


Happy Friday Eve, Friends!









Friday, February 21, 2014

Product Review: Tone Body Wash

tone 

Thanks to BzzAgent, I was recently given the opportunity to try Tone body wash. To be honest, Tone isn't a brand I'd normally buy. I tend to stick with brands I've used before like Suave, Dove, Softsoap, etc. depending on what is cheapest/what I have a coupon for. I have to say, I was so pleasantly surprised with Tone body wash, that I will absolutely be buying it in the future. 

 What I liked:
  • I loved the shape & functionality of the bottle. There's a flip-lid with a flat surface, which means as the product gets low in the bottle, I can turn it over and let the remaining product drip down and collect, making it easier to get out the next time. This may seem silly, but the body wash I bought the last time has a rounded top, which makes this virtually impossible, and a reason why I'd never purchase it again.
  • The scent is sweet & floral. It is strong enough to last for hours after a shower/bath, yet not overpowering.
  • Tone body was provides a rich, luxurious lather making me feel like I'm using a very high end body wash, without the steep price tag.
  • Tone body wash leaves my skin feeling very hydrated, eliminating the need for lotion after showering.
  • Coupons are readily available for Tone body wash & it's available at all of my local retailers.
Cons:
  • In my opinion, there aren't any cons to this product.
Overall, I absolutely love this product and I will continue to use it in the future. I'm looking forward to trying the entire variety of scents. I would recommend this product to anyone looking to purchase a high end body wash at a bargain price.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Choose Fair Trade, Choose Green Mountain Coffe


I have to admit, I have heard the term 'Fair Trade' many times in the past, but I never really knew what it meant until becoming a part of BzzAgent's new campaign for Green Mountain Coffee. Turns out, Fair Trade coffee is a very good thing. Here's why:

According to ChooseFairTrade.com, "Fair trade certification gives farmers a fair price for their beans with a guaranteed minimum, which means they can invest in their crops, their communities, and their future.". This is so very important! Also, because of Fair Trade, Green Mountain Coffee gets to works closely with farmers, which in turn means better tasting coffee for all of us caffeinated coffee freaks. 

It's a win for everyone!

Kelly Clarkson recently visited the Fair Trade community of Agua Azul, Peru to learn more about Fair Trade. You can view her beautiful travel diary here. It is very inspiring.

As for my participation in this campaign, I was sent several samples of Green Mountain Coffee's Fair Trade Three Continent Blend. According to the website, this particular blend is made with beans sourced from "Sumatra, South America, and Ethiopia".  I immediately brewed a k-cup and put it in the fridge to cool to use for my morning iced coffee. I loved that this particular blend is a medium roast and is extra bold. This is the type of coffee I prefer to brew because it holds up so well to ice without becoming watered down. I have to say, the Three Continent Blend is fantastic and I even prefer it over the other k-cups I was using every day. It has a very bold taste without any bitterness and there's a subtle sweetness that I really enjoy. I prefer mine with a splash of half-half and a little bit of sweetener. It's my go-to beverage every single morning.

IMG_4900
IMG_4904
I encourage you to visit ChooseFairTrade.com and explore all of the varieties of FairTrade k-cups Green Mountain Coffee has to offer. I personally can't wait to try the Pumpkin Spice variety.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Product Review: Lysol Power & Free

lysolPower 

 As a self-described clean freak, I'm constantly purchasing cleaning products for my home. I love a good deep-down clean, but most of the cleaners I use come with harsh and powerful fumes. These fumes are often so overwhelming that I find myself having to clean in spurts, which is pretty darn inconvenient. 

 Thanks to BzzAgent, I was given the opportunity to try new Lysol Power & Free cleaning products. I was sent Lysol Power & Free Multi-Purpose Cleaner & the Toilet & Bathroom Wipes. So what's different about new Lysol Power & Free products? 

 I'm so glad you asked. Lysol Power & Free products use hydrogen peroxide to attack pesky stains, giving you "more cleaning power than bleach" without the harsh fumes and chemical residue. And I'm here to report that these products do just that. I'm so pleased! I used both products to clean all of my kitchen and bathroom surfaces.  I also used them to clean out my daughter's lunchbox (these products kill 99.9% of bacteria!), tabletops, light switches, my daughter's desk (they removed tough marker stains!), and all of our phone cases (full of bacteria, if you didn't know). 

  What I liked: - Powerful cleaning without harsh fumes. - Anti-bacterial properties which give me a sense of peace when cleaning - I loved the mild scent of the cleaners 

  What could be improved upon: The only thing that could be improved up is the wetness of the wipes. Mine were not very wet and I found myself having to use them with the multi-purpose cleaner.  

Overall: I am very pleased with the effectiveness of new Lysol Power & Free. I will absolutely buy these products as replacements for all of my other cleaning products. You also can't beat the prices of $1.97-$2.97. I would recommend these products to anyone.  

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Product Review: Campbell's Go(TM) Soup-- Moroccan Style Chicken w/ Chickpeas

There's a saying about the weather in Central Texas. It goes something like this: If you don't like it, wait five minutes.

True enough as yesterday I was blasting the A/C and today it barely made it to 60 degrees. It was drizzly and cold all day long-- all I wanted was soup.

I was lucky enough to receive a sample of Campbell's Go(TM) soup in the Moroccan Style Chicken with Chickpeas variety and figured today would be perfect to try it out.

Have you seen these on the shelves? I love the design of the bright white pouches.


Initial Impression: Hmm, I'm not a huge chicken fan, but typically it's easily identifiable in most soups so I can just pick it out. Moroccan? Not sure what that flavor profile is usually, but I enjoy chickpeas and the ingredient list doesn't look too obscure, so let's give it a try. . 

What I liked: 
  • It was easy enough to heat up the pouch in the microwave and I really appreciated the "cool touch" spot on the pouch to avoid burning my fingers after heating.
  • Can eat out of the pouch or pour into a bowl
  • Very thick consistency. The soup was hearty and satisfying. 
  • The soup was well-spiced, but not spicy. It was very flavorful.
  • Plentiful chickpeas
  • Small pieces of pulled chicken-- nice touch, felt like it was a homemade soup
  • 320 calories per pouch (of this particular flavor)
  • 3 grams fat/pouch (of this particular flavor)
  • 12 grams fiber & 26 grams protein (of this particular flavor)
What I didn't like:
  • Strong hint of cinnamon both in smell and taste. I didn't see cinnamon on the ingredient list, so I'm not sure where this was coming from. Different and slightly off-putting, but it didn't prevent me from finishing the soup. 
  • 1580 mg of sodium/pouch! (of this particular flavor)

Final thoughts: With a coupon, I'd likely buy this variety of soup again. Speaking of coupon, print your $1 off coupon here!The pouch packaging is very convenient and much more appealing to me than a can for some reason. Aside from the sodium content, I think this is a tasty & decently healthy lunch/dinner option.

Other Campbell's Go(TM) Soup Varieties:
  • Golden Lentil with Madras Curry
  • Creamy Red Pepper with Smoked Gouda
  • Coconut Curry with Chicken & Shitake Mushrooms
  • Chicken and Quinoa with Poblano Peppers
  • Spicy Chorizo and Pulled Chicken with Black Beans
I was provided a sample of Campbell's Go(TM) Soups by Smiley360.com. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Oh, Goodies!

Have you heard of Goodies.co?

Goodies Co. is a monthly subscription box service that delivers delicious new snack samples right to your door! If you love the samples, you can head back to the Goodies Co. website and order more of your favorites. 

This is my first box from the Goodies Co., but I can say with 100% certainty that it won't be my last. I was so impressed with everything!

Here's a picture of the box I received (minus a few things I just had to try before snapping a pic):


(Take a look at the packaging! I'm a total sucker for packaging and this box couldn't be any cuter.)

The theme of this month's box was Rise and Shine featuring many different samples perfect for breakfast (or any time of the day, really!). 

What I received:

Alo Water Watermelon & Peach: I loved receiving a full-sized sample of this product. I was a little skeptical about drinking something with aloe vera in it (my only experience with aloe is in regards to sunburns and cuts), but I was pleasantly surprised. This drink is very light and refreshing and I really love the peach flavor.  My daughter enjoyed it too, but did not like the pulp. . 

Ola! Handbaked Granola: I typically shy away from eating or purchasing granola since most brands are high in fat, sugar, and calories. In my head, it's one of those 'healthy' foods that often isn't always so healthy. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this product. The ingredient list has nothing weird on it and it contains non-GMO ingredients. My favorite part was the almonds-- whole, crunchy, and perfectly satisfying.



Rickland Orchards Greek Yogurt Coated Granola Bar: This was, by far, my favorite product in the box which is surprising to me because I am normally not a fan of bars. Most bars I've tried in the past either taste like cardboard or are overly sweet, but this one is delicious. I tried the toasted coconut variety (I'm a coconut freak) and loved the little bits of dried pineapple in it, too. It was like a pina colada granola bar--- yum! 

Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookie: This was just okay. It was pretty small and quite dry. I tried the peanut butter flavor and wasn't really impressed. 

Nabisco Newtons Triple Berry: These were dry and tasted almost like a Nutri-grain bar. The berry flavor is okay. I would not purchase these for various reasons, the most important being the ingredient list. The first ingredient is whole grain wheat flour, but from there it goes downhill fast: sugar, high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup. These cookies also contain hydrogenated oils, which we as family try to steer clear of.

Jovan's All Natural Instant Breakfast: I wasn't sure what to expect from this product. I loved Carnation Instant Breakfast as a kid, but I do not buy it now. Frankly, I'd rather have coffee in the mornings and my daughter doesn't drink milk. This product is all-natural and all you do is mix the packet contents into a glass of cold milk and enjoy. I tried it this morning and it is quite tasty-- I love the beautiful specks of vanilla bean seeds floating throughout. My only criticism is that the ingredients are not listed on the back of the packet.

Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves: First off, this sample is absolutely adorable. Will you get a load of that mini-jar?! Swoon. These preserves are perfectly sweet and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. I would absolutely purchase this product-- strawberry is my daughter's favorite flavor of jelly/jam/preserves.

BelVita Cinnamon Brown Sugar Breakfast Biscuits: Wow! These are really tasty. They are thin, crisp and taste like part graham cracker, part ginger snap. Subtle hints of cinnamon and just the right amount of sweetness. I wouldn't eat these for breakfast, but I think they'd make a great dessert!

All in all, I felt like this was a really great box. It was filled with tasty samples of products I'd likely never buy if I hadn't tried a sample.

I got all of this for only $7 including taxes and shipping.

What are you waiting for? Check out Goodies.co!